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East County | Neighbors

The crew from Station 1 walk across the parking lot to grab some lunch. From left to right: Battalion Chief Craig Madsen and firefighters Adam Stem, Evan Berggren and Tyler Schuele.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 16, 2026
Braden River VFW dishes out thanks to East Manatee firefighters

VFW members brought lunch to the East Manatee Fire Rescue administration building, where they hold their monthly meeting.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Bradenton's Harley Busch, 3, is eager to ride the carousel alongside her father John Busch at the Manatee County Fair. She also rode a camel moments before.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • January 16, 2026
Manatee County Fair, a tradition since 1916, is now open

The fair launched its 11-day run Thursday with a variety of animals, rides, food, live entertainment and more.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
  • By Lakewood Ranch Medical Center
  • January 15, 2026
From a Tragic Accident to a Swift Near-Full Recovery

How Lakewood Ranch Medical Center saved the life of a USF Professor.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
The Lakewood Ranch Pickleball Club members Mike Mulwani and Greg Pogue lost their first scrimmage 11 to nothing in 2023, but that didn't stop them from pursuing the sport to better their skills.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • January 14, 2026
At 2,300 members, Lakewood Ranch Pickleball Club continues to grow

The club, which provides opportunities for novice to advanced players, was founded by Bob Haskin in 2018 with 40 members.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch's Misdee Miller won the four-in-hand division of the 2025 Combined Driving at TerraNova event but has decided not to defend later this month.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 14, 2026
Top Lakewood Ranch equestrian athlete changes her competition focus

Misdee Wrigley Miller has decided not to defend her "four-in-hand" title at the upcoming Combined Driving at TerraNova event.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Heidi Scott, Bob Simons and Laura Cole make up the panel Jan. 9 during a launch party for the new book, "Lakewood Ranch: A Legacy of Living with the Land."
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 13, 2026
Lakewood Ranch hosts a launch party for book on local history

Ghostwriter Heidi Scott said readers can turn to any page in "Lakewood Ranch: A Legacy of Living with the Land" and find a golden nugget about Lakewood Ranch history.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
St. Petersburg's Bob Boguslaw has been in the music business for 50 years with 22 of them being an active member of the “President’s Own” United States Marine Band. He said muscle memory comes into play and it brings back an array of memories.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • January 12, 2026
Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble to host 2026 debut concert

The concert will feature pianist Bob Boguslaw, who spent 22 years in the United States Marine Band.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sarasota's Hasan Tezduyar gives a pat of appreciation to Rachel Apple, a wellness associate with Qualliv, at the Health and Wellness Expo at The Mall at University Town Center.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • January 10, 2026
New Year, New You expo provides health resources at The Mall at UTC

The event, hosted by Lakewood Ranch Community Activities and presented by Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, brought together 60 vendors revolving around health and wellness.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Anthony Sizemore, a Braden River High freshman, is eager to show his FFA chapter's chapter pig at the Manatee County Fair.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • January 7, 2026
Braden River High FFA students hope to make the grade at Manatee County Fair

After sacrificing much of their free time to care for farm animals, many of the students will be rewarded.

  • East County
  • Schools
The Southwest Florida Premier Football Club grants about $100,000 worth of scholarships every year to its players.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 6, 2026
When kids can't afford to play soccer, Lakewood Ranch nonprofit steps forward

The Southwest Florida Premier Football Club fundraises to cover about $100,000 each year.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
The first farmers market of 2026 at Waterside Place draws a large crowd.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 5, 2026
Lakewood Ranch farmers market is a family affair

Many of the vendors operate family businesses in the region.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Southside Polo's Mason Wroe talks to fans about the basics of his sport in a short clinic before the Jan. 4 match.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 4, 2026
New seating option a hit at the Sarasota Polo Club

The Mallet Club at midfield has been packed each week since the Dec. 21 season opener.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Jessie O Brien is visiting from Ireland and chose to celebrate the new year alongside Lakewood Ranch's Ciara Daly at Waterside Place.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • January 1, 2026
Crowd rings in the new year at Waterside Place

From activities for kids, to live music, to a drone show, there was something for people of all ages.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
All sidewalk murals at Avenue of Art in Burns Court have been removed per order of the Florida Department of Transportation, including this one by artist Beck Lane.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • December 28, 2025
YourObserver.com's most-read stories of 2025 typically connected with deeper issues

Big-picture issues, such as new trash cans and disappearing art, strike a chord with readers. But there were exceptions in this year's top headlines.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • By Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor
  • December 25, 2025
FINANCIAL FOCUS® Managing Risk at Different Stages of Life

What sort of risk should you take when you're investing? It depends on where you are in life.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sponsored Content
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Latest in East County

1
The Lakewood Ranch Garden Club Butterfly Symposium will take place at 9 a.m. on Feb. 7 at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.
  • February 4, 2026
Butterfly symposium lands at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall
2
Braden River boys basketball has clinched its first 20-win season since 2011-12, and won eight games in a row to close out the regular season.
  • February 4, 2026
Braden River High boys basketball team turns the tides with teamwork
3
Sisterhood for Good members Nikki Pelier-Simon, Samina Morrow and Allison Adams show off some fashions that will be in the spotlight at Tropical Escape July 27 at the Sarasota Polo Club.
  • February 4, 2026
Lakewood Ranch fundraiser is a hula for moolah
4
Thundercloud Ranch is one of two conservation easements Manatee County purchased Jan. 27.
  • February 4, 2026
Manatee County purchases two easements, conserves nearly 1,500 acres
5
Village Idiots Cycling Club member Patrick Franklin Sr. (center) was killed riding his bicycle Jan. 22 when hit by a truck pulling a trailer on Conquistador Parkway in Bradenton.
  • February 4, 2026
Building safer roads for cyclists worth a discussion in Manatee County

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